Churchill, Bush students are among those who have come together to raise funds to help pay down medical costs for Churchill the bulldog, whom a local boy burned in an animal cruelty case.

Published 8:47 pm, Friday, October 16, 2009

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Teacher Sue Jett's newspaper class at Churchill High School displays a $1,562.42 check for San Antonio Animal Care Services. Students sought donations around campus to help offset medical costs for Churchill, a bulldog burned by a local boy. less

Teacher Sue Jett's newspaper class at Churchill High School displays a $1,562.42 check for San Antonio Animal Care Services. Students sought donations around campus to help offset medical costs for Churchill, a ... more

Youngsters come to burned dog's aid

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In a manner of speaking, Churchill came to the aid of Churchill.

A group of Churchill High School students collected more than $1,560 for Churchill, an English bulldog who was critically burned by a local teenager in an animal cruelty case.

San Antonio Animal Care Services, which is currently treating the 18-month-old dog, has been soliciting public assistance concerning his mounting medical bill, which now is estimated at $10,000.

Formerly named Capone, the bulldog was renamed Churchill by ACS staff, who rescued him from his most recent owner. He suffered third degree burns over 50 percent of his body - including his back, abdomen and genitals - at the hands of the 14-year-old boy.

While it has received donations from as far as California and Georgia, ACS got a big boost from the student publications staff at Churchill High, whose members collected donations from fellow students and faculty.

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The girls made ear rings with paw print charms and received donations from the community to sell the jewelry at the festival.

ACS officials said Churchill the dog will be treated for heartworms once his immune system has strengthened. He has been improving, having undergone daily hydrotherapy treatments. They added Churchill hopefully will be well enough to be put up for adoption.

Authorities filed animal cruelty and arson charges against the boy two weeks ago.